1,4-dioxane is a petrochemical “known to the State of California to cause cancer” under Proposition 65. Due to its toxicity, many consumers would not expect to find it in “natural” or “organic” branded personal care products. The contaminant 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of the ethoxylation process, which is a cheap shortcut companies often use to provide mildness to harsh cleaning ingredients. 1,4-dioxane is also a suspected kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant, and respiratory toxicant, according to the California EPA, and it is a significant groundwater contaminant. While previous studies have revealed the presence of 1,4-dioxane in baby, children’s and adults products and those mislabeled as “organic” and “natural”, this latest study shows the toxin is being significantly reduced as many brands reformulate.